Ronaldo is defining a period in football history' - Alvarez

Celta Vigo goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez is well aware that he will have a serious job on his hands trying to keep out Cristiano Ronaldo at Balaidos on Sunday, admitting that the Real Madrid ace is defining an entire era with his remarkable goalscoring exploits.

Ronaldo, who has won the last two Ballon d'Or awards, has netted a staggering 302 times in just 292 games in all competitions since joining Los Blancos from Manchester United in 2009.


Alvarez thus feels that the Portugal international deserves to be rated as one of the best goalscorers the game has ever seen.

"Facing him is a challenge," the Celta shot-stopper stated. "We all know Cristiano scores in nearly every game and we’ll have to be more alert.

"He’s a goalscorer in every sense of the word. I don’t know if he’s the best goalscorer ever, but his consistency means it’s complicated to play him.

"He’s defining a period in football history. We’ll try to enjoy it while we can and try to stop him in this game."

Sunday's Liga clash also represents an opportunity for Alvarez to measure himself against Madrid captain Iker Casillas - another player he has the utmost respect for.

Alvarez has been likened to the World Cup winner but the 28-year-old is embarrassed by such talk.

"Maybe we have some things in common, but he’s one of the best goalkeepers ever," he added. "Comparing us is a bit over the top.
"I hope I can play at the top as long as he has; that’s what every player hopes for."

Madrid will be going all out for victory at Balaidos, with Liga leaders Barcelona having pulled five points clear at the top of the table thanks to a 2-0 win at Espanyol on Saturday.